Welcome to the fourth edition of Empties, where I take you through my recent collection of finished skincare and beauty products. Here, I’ll explain what I liked and if I would purchase them again. For your awareness, I have dry skin and also suffer from eczema. Lastly, before anyone has a go at me for ‘publicly slandering a brand,’ (yes, this has actually happened before) these are my personal opinions published on my personal platform and take them as such.
We’re back here sooner than I anticipated! Catch up on previous editions below. And yes, for some reason it won’t let me amend the headline that was accidentally written as a number and not the word and you’re correct, it is bugging me:
Dr Dennis Gross Blur and Repair Moisturiser
I purchased this on the recommendation of my friend, Owen, who is a makeup artist and skincare guru whose skin is consistently glowing. I am extremely glad for this recommendation! Since using, I have had very minimal dry skin on my face, besides a persistent eczema spot, and when I wake up the next morning, I still feel supple, not thirsty. Across the last two months, I have also received a LOT of comments on how my skin is glowing and radiant, and this is the only change to my regular routine, so I’d like to think I have Dennis to thank. The texture is thicker, almost balm-like, so great for the cooler months as well. One pump is enough to cover the entire face and neck. Follow with face oil, eye cream, etc.
Lasted: Four months
Buy again: Yes, already have!
The Ordinary Retinal Emulsion
Affordable, a little goes a long way and works as well as the fancy, $100+ retinals I have also used do. Retinal is a longterm game for me, but I do think when I have run out and not repurchased within a month, my skin does look dull. Something is off with it when I am without it. I apply after cleansing and before my moisturiser in the evening only.
Lasted: Four months
Buy again: Yes, already have!
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Every night, I apply a generous smattering of the Laniege lip mask and I have done since 2020 when I was gifted my first tub from my friend, Ruby, the same Ruby who gifted me the Gucci lip balm. Much like Dr Dennis, this was a life-changing share of a product that you loved so much, you had to tell a friend. As someone who used to have to use a prescription lip balm because my lips would get so dry and cracked nothing would heal them, this changed it all and I have never had to get that prescription filled again.
Lasted: God, maybe a year? More than a year? A very long time.
Buy again: Yes
Dr Jart Vital Hydra Solution Toner
I feel as though I was slightly taken in by the salesperson when I purchased this toner. While there was nothing wrong with it, it was a little pricier than I prefer to pay for a toner. It’s a product I can’t do without as I don’t feel fresh and sparkly without it, especially after makeup and before applying serums in the morning, but I have never felt a miracle after effect or lasting impact from a toner. Beauty gurus, please explain, why does a toner need to cost $59? When I am now using a perfectly good toner that cost me $29. Buy if you feel like splurging, but there wasn’t anything special to rave on about.
Lasted: Three months
Buy again: No
Paula’s Choice Vitamin C 15% Super Booster
Very, very impressed by this hero Vitamin C I have heard so much about yet never tried. Purchased when my trusty Dr Dennis Gross Vitamin C and Ferulic Acid ran out, I decided the time had come to try Paula’s Choice. Roughly the same price as the Dr Dennis Gross, one major benefit I found from Paula’s Choice was this product isn’t as staining to my hands as the other can be. Additionally, the texture was slightly smoother and had a less potent smell. I apply after toning and cleansing and before my sunscreen in the morning only.
Lasted: Three months
Buy again: Yes
Smashbox Setting Spray (Gifted)
It’s up there with one of the best setting sprays I have evert used, for its scent, subtle dewy sheen and holding power. The Smashbox setting spray lasted just more than six-months, which considering I spray after every layer of makeup applied is a fantastic outcome for me personally. I do think the Charlotte Tilbury setting spray is the ultimate, but this one is very good as well if you want something slightly less scented.
Lasted: Six months
Buy again: Yes
Ive been trying to find my go to setting spray! I’m going to try the smashbox one!